Human resources strategy 2010 Since the establishment of the SANDF in 1994, replacing the former SADF with an integrated force of freedom fighters and conventional soldiers, a corporate transformation process has been underway to migrate from the pre-1994 defence dispensation to a new dispensation as envisaged by the democratic constitution of South Africa. Many of the changes in the SANDF's human resources department have been implemented; more than 100,000 soldiers have been cut down to 80,000 and then to the current 70,000. However, in order to have a more affordable and capable force this number has to be cut by another 20,000 by 2010.
According to the SANDF many changes have been beneficial to contribute towards transforming the SANDF into a representative force of all race groups. However, many changes have also had side effects that impact negatively on the readiness, output and efficiency of the SANDF - particularly in the light of new political demands on the deployment of South African troops in warring countries.
The first part of the scaling down process will be concluded between April and July this year whereby at least 3,000 troops will be retrenched. The SANDF hopes to achieve a model by which its budget will be divided into 40 per cent for personnel, 30 per cent for operating costs and 30 per cent for capital renewal. Currently the percentage for personnel amounts to 53 per cent of the defence budget. After integration the result was that 52 per cent of 10 151 Privates are between 30 and 60 years old and 50 per cent of junior non-commissioned officers in the same age group. The effect of the age imbalance is that particularly the SA Army carries significant numbers of combat personnel whose effective deployment potential is restricted as a result of their age.
There is particular concern regarding the effect of disease, most prominently HIV/AIDS, amongst all soldiers adding to the cost escalation to maintain personnel who cannot be utilised. According to the SANDF HIV/AIDS constitutes the biggest single threat to the deployment potential and operational effectiveness of the SANDF as it mostly affects people between 25 and 29 years old. The official statistics for HIV/AIDS infected soldiers are 23 per cent of the total force; a more realistic figure (according to HIV/AIDS specialists) would be at least 40 per cent.
As part of its 2010 strategy the SANDF will also be introducing a new service system consisting of a short term (STS), a medium term (MTS) and a long term system (LTS). It is hoped to divide its forces into 40 per cent STS; 40 per cent MTS and 20 per cent LTS. Adding to this a voluntary national service system, whereby young people who have just finished school would serve for two years only, will be introduced. Some 10,000 new recruits will annually enter the service according to this plan.
The Department of Defence reckons its challenges are attainable - though not without difficulty. According to Mr. Mosiuoa Lekota, Minister of Defence, "The SANDF remains one of South Africa's most important assets, in spite of numerous problems emanating from the transformation of the defence force. It has withstood the storms of transformation primarily due to the strong and committed leadership of the SANDF and will continue to do so."
